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1968 Fender catalog page

#30
Unlike the modern 5 string bass the Fender Bass V was designed with the idea that players could reach the higher notes with fewer position changes up and down the neck. It had a high C string, giving it the same range of notes as a Precision or Jazz with only 15 frets. To some extent it was a solution looking for a problem, and players apparently found the string spacing too narrow and the layout awkward.
 
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#32
tim gueguen said:
Didn't know they were still marketing the Bass VI that late in the day. Fender mustn't have had many parts left when they discontinued it or there might have been some sort of oddball made out of what was left, just like the guitars made out of leftover Electric XII parts.

I wonder where that Bass V is now.
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bobyoung53 said:
When I bought my new P bass in 1970, there were three or four or Sunburst Fender VI's hanging on the wall, don't know if they were making hm at that time or were left over. I saw a Fender V one time in a band in 1969, the guy also had a blue sparkle Kustom 200 with three 15"s.
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The Fender (Bass) VI was made between 1961 and 1975, Invalid Link Removed.

creaturegods said:
I've never seen or even heard of that 5-string model on the left.
Kinda weird-lookin.
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The Fender Bass V was the first ever five-string electric bass guitar. Made 1965-1971:
The Fender Bass V | Vintage Guitar® magazine
Fender Bass V - Wikipedia
For some reason, possibly to cater to very early ADGC-tuning users, Fender had high C single strings out even before 1965. This is from the Link Removed:
Link Removed
 
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#34
James Jamerson had a Bass V, I don't know if it ever made it onto a recording. They are rare because it never caught on. Only 200 were made, and the surplus bodies were cut down to make the similarly rare Fender Swinger guitar in 1969.
 
#35
Wow, I had that catalog, ' 68, freshman/sophomore in high school,I remember thinking the guy was Buck Owens, for some reason I really wanted that 5 string, ended up getting my used '65 Jazz Bass the following year, $200.00 with case, I think Jazzes were going for $360.00 and the case was 60 bucks extra,I looked at that catalog until it literally fell apart.
 
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